Learn More About Dyspareunia

Diagnostic Criteria

A. Recurrent or persistent genital pain associated with sexual intercourse in either a male or a female. 

B. The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.

C. The disturbance is not caused exclusively by Vaginismus or lack of lubrication, is not better accounted for by another Axis I disorder (except another Sexual Dysfunction), and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition. Due to Combined Factors

Someone suffering from dyspareunia feels intense genital pain when attempting sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia is not gender specific – it effects both men and women.

Dyspareunia has many causes and differs by the type of pain. There are medical causes of dyspareunia such as lack of lubrication, past surgeries, illnesses and trauma.

Dyspareunia, when not caused by a medical condition, is caused by emotional trauma, stress, and sexual abuse.

Psychotherapy to reduce stress and overcome past abuse is the primary treatment for dyspareunia however, medication evaluations are very important to rule out medical issues and substance abuse problems.

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